Ring of Kerry: Day Trips and Tours from Dublin

Take an exciting day trip from Dublin to Ring of Kerry located on the southwest coast of Ireland. Discover the beautiful landscapes, dramatic coastline and quaint villages during your scenic tour around the Iveragh peninsula.

You will see breathtaking views of the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, Dingle Bay and Kenmore Bay.

Photo opportunities abound with beautiful white beaches, castles, forts and Cathedrals. This special excursion is waiting to be discovered!

How to get to Ring of Kerry from Dublin?

Ring of Kerry is located over 300 kilometers southwest of Dublin in County Kerry, Ireland. It can be reached by car, bus or train with an average travel time of about four hours.

From Dublin to Ring of Kerry by car

Leave Dublin via highways M50 and N7, head southwest and go left onto highway M8 through Cashel. Merge right onto highways N73/N72 to Killarney.

From Dublin to Ring of Kerry by bus/public transport

The regional Bus Éireann’s route makes numerous stops and one connection in either Cork or Limerick (45 minutes). You can depart in Killarney or continue to one of the many villages along the Ring of Kerry.

From Dublin to Ring of Kerry by train

Depart the Dublin Heuston Station at 7 AM. There is a 10-minute connection in Mallow, then on to Killarney where you can catch a bus or rent a car to drive around the Ring of Kerry. Taking the train is a very popular, stress-free way to see the scenery during the 3.5-hour ride.

Guided tour to Ring of Kerry from Dublin

For a more relaxing trip and without having to drive yourself or commute, take a guided day tour to the Ring of Kerry from Dublin. Tour operators offer a variety of tours from one-day trips to overnight tours, while you have choices of a 2-day, 3-day or 4-day tour.

How much does the ticket to Ring of Kerry cost?

There is no entrance fee to the entrance to the Killarney National Park. However, there are admission fees for some of the stops such as the Ross castle. The admission fees for these types of attraction stops are included in most tours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Ring of Kerry?

Your day trip to Ring of Kerry begins with meeting your tour guide at the Dublin Heuston rail station for a 7 AM departure on a 3.5-hour train trip. You have plenty of time in transit for breakfast before arriving at the town of Mallow where you have a 10-minute connection.

Upon your arrival to Killarney, you board the coach for your excursion around the Ring of Kerry. There will be plenty of stops along the 179-kilometer jaunt around the Iveragh peninsula. There’s time for morning tea, lunch and many photo opportunities.  

Your guide will point out the highest mountain in Kerry, Carrantuohill, standing at over 1,000 meters high. The tour circles the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range and goes through many passes of Dingle Peninsula and Kenmare Bay.

You will see several picturesque villages, such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem. Your tour continues to Ladies View where you see the magnificent Lakes of Killarney. Then, travel through Killarney’s National Park. Dinner service is available on the return trip by rail back to Dublin.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ring of Kerry?

Tour operators offer a variety of day trips to Ring of Kerry from Dublin. You can choose from a day trip to multiday trips — 2-day, 3-day or 4-day tours.

Day trip to Ring of Kerry from Dublin

This action-packed day tour departs by train to Killarney where you will take a coach for the Ring of Kerry tour. See the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, peaks of MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range and Dingle Bay.

2-Day tour to Ring of Kerry plus Cork from Dublin

A 2-day jaunt to Ring of Kerry provides time for a stop in Cork where you visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, home to the Queenstown story, and a stop at Blarney Castle. After spending the night in Killarney, take the famous Ring of Kerry tour.

3-Day tour to Ring of Kerry plus Cork and Limerick from Dublin

Your first day begins in Cork with a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre and Blarney Castle. You’ll continue by rail to Killarney for a 2-night stay at a bed and breakfast, including a full Irish breakfast. A 3-day tour of the Ring of Kerry allows for plenty of stops. Your final day includes a visit to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay.

4-Day tour to Ring of Kerry plus Limerick and Galway from Dublin

On a 4-day trip to King of Kerry, you will have four full days to explore the area. The excitement starts when your train stops in Cork for a visit to St. Colman’s Cathedral, the Cobh Heritage Centre and Blarney Castle. You’ll spend two nights in Killarney.

On the second day, take your day tour to the Ring of Kerry. Then, you head to Limerick City to visit Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park. You’ll stay overnight at Galway. On your final day, head to Connemara to visit Kylemore Abbey, an eighteenth-century castle.

How much does a tour to Ring of Kerry from Dublin cost?

A day trip to the Ring of Kerry from Dublin starts at US$126 with rail and coach. Options for overnight tours range from a 2-day to a 4-day trip and the prices vary depending on the length of the tour.

A 2-day tour starts at US$327, while 3-day and 4-day tours cost up to US$1,018. These tours include accommodations, rail and coach transportation, additional stops, and entrance tickets.

What will you see and do in Ring of Kerry?

The Ring of Kerry scenic drive around the Iveragh peninsula is about 180 kilometers. There are beautiful white beaches in Derrynane, Rossbeigh and St Finian's Bay.  

You will see castles, forts and Cathedrals along your journey. Popular stops include Moll’s Gap, the Gap of Dunloe, Coonmakista Pass and the Derryanne House.

Thanks to the low light pollution in Kerry, the stargazing is amazing! The Ring of Kerry is home to The Gold Tier International Star Reserve.  

Killarney is the start of Kerry Walk, a 200-kilometer walking route that takes eight days. For a shorter Ring of Kerry jaunt, you can walk the Woodland paths at Ross Castle or there is a four-hour circuit of Muckross Lake.  

During your Ring of Kerry day trip, you will pass many valleys and picturesque villages, such as Glenbeigh, Sneem, Waterville and Kenmare.  

Ladies View

In 1861, Queen Victoria, accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting, visited this spot on their way to the Muckross House. They decided to stop for a picnic and were so taken aback by the breathtaking view of the Lakes of Killarney, that they named the spot Ladies View.

Killarney National Park

The Killarney National Park is home to the 15th-century Ross Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Torq Waterfall. The 25,000-acre park is known to have several white-tailed eagles, in addition to the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland.  

Dingle Bay

With over 6,000 years of history around the town of Dingle. Experience the dramatic cliffs along the Kerry coastline, beautiful Coumeenoole Beach with a view of the Blasket Islands and Connors Pass which features the highest mountain road in Ireland.

A stop at a local pub for a pint of Guinness or at Murphy’s for a Kerry cattle homemade ice cream is always memorable.

You can also visit the Skellig Ring where the fishing village of Portmagee was a key filming location for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” movie.

When is the best time to visit Ring of Kerry?

Open year-round, the best months to visit are May through July for the sunniest weather. Ireland, called the Emerald Isle, has up to 270 days of rain per year. July and August are the busiest time of year, so either spring or fall are better to avoid crowds.

Are there any tours to Ring of Kerry from other cities in Ireland?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Ireland:

• Ring of Kerry day tours from Killarney
• Day trips to Ring of Kerry from Cork

Travel tips

• Always be prepared for unpredictable weather and dress in layers. It’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or light jacket, as it rains frequently.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes or trainers, rain gear and sunscreen, and pack light luggage as you are getting off and on trains and buses.
• Make sure to have your electronic equipment fully charged as you will be taking lots of photos during your exciting journey to Ring of Kerry.